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Initial assessment and intervention strategies to reduce workplace violence
1George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, D.C., USA.
American Family Physician
|September 15, 1995
Summary
Workplace violence, including homicide, is rising. Family physicians can identify warning signs in potentially violent employees, such as threats and paranoia, enabling early intervention to prevent harm.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Forensic Psychiatry
- Public Health
Background:
- Workplace violence, including homicide, is a growing concern, accounting for 12% of workplace deaths.
- Disgruntled or former employees are increasingly perpetrators of workplace violence.
- Family physicians are uniquely positioned to identify and intervene in cases of potential workplace violence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline key assessment factors for potentially violent employees.
- To describe the shame-rage cycle preceding violent acts.
- To detail immediate interventions and organizational preventive strategies.
Main Methods:
- Assessment of potentially violent employees involves evaluating specific risk factors.
- Understanding the psychological precursors, such as the shame-rage cycle, is crucial.
- Intervention strategies encompass immediate safety, de-escalation, and referral.
Main Results:
- Key indicators for potential workplace violence include threats, history of violence, paranoia, substance abuse, and limited perceived options.
- The shame-rage cycle and a sense of narrowing options are common precursors to violent acts.
- Early identification of warning signs offers opportunities for intervention.
Conclusions:
- Family physicians play a vital role in assessing and intervening in potential workplace violence.
- A multi-faceted approach combining individual assessment, immediate intervention, and organizational prevention is essential.
- Preventive measures include pre-employment screening, clear policies, counseling, security, and reporting systems.